18. [al-Kahf, Mecca 69 ]
The Quranic Text & Ali’s Version:
إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا
مَا عَلَى الْأَرْضِ
زِينَةً لَّهَا ...
18: 7. That which is on earth We have made but as a glittering show for the earth,
C2332. This world's goods-,worldly power, glory, wealth, position, and all that men scramble for,- are but a fleeting show.
The possession or want of them does not betoken a man's real value or position in the coming world, the world which is to endure. Yet they have their uses.
They test a man's sterling quality. He who becomes their slave loses rank in the next world. He who uses them if he gets them, and does not fall into despair if he does not get them, shows his true mettle and quality. His conduct proclaims him.
... لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا ﴿٧﴾
in order that We may test them -- as to which of them are best in conduct.
وَإِنَّا
لَجَاعِلُونَ
مَا عَلَيْهَا
صَعِيدًا جُرُزًا ﴿٨﴾
18: 8. Verily what is on earth We shall make but as dust and dry soil (without growth or herbage).
C2333. The fairest sights on the earth will become as dust and waste when this earth vanishes, and true spiritual values are restored.
18: 7
Asad Behold, We have willed that all beauty on earth be a means by which We put men to a test, [showing] which of them are best in conduct;
Pickthall Lo! We have placed all that is in the earth as an ornament thereof that we may try them: which of them is best in conduct.
Transliteration Inna_ ja'alna_ ma_ 'alal ardi zinatal laha_ linabluwahum ayyuhum ahsanu 'amala_(n).
18: 8
Asad and, verily, We shall reduce all that is on it to barren dust!
Pickthall And lo! We shall make all that is therein a barren mound.
Transliteration Wa inna_ laja_'ilu_na ma_ 'alaiha_ sa'idan juruza_(n).